Abstract

Based upon empirical studies, this paper describes a negotiation model to support materials selection by design teams using concurrent design methodologies. The model is realised in a tool that supports designers in this task. Given a list of materials currently proposed, similar alternatives are offered to individual designers based upon both shared and private representations. Fuzzy measures of similarity are used to identify possible counter proposals. A fuzzy measure of value is used to rank these. Conventional negotiation protocols from economics or game theory did not correspond well to the negotiation behaviour of designers. Currently, the human user remains responsible for the communication of any proposal he or she wishes to make, and for the supporting argumentation.